Sure Footedness in Rocky Places

Sure Footedness in Rocky Places

(Habakkuk 3:1-19)

Yearly Theme:  “Kindness is… Action”

Series Title:  “In the Meantime”

May 28^th, 2023

Something to think about:

In this final section of Habakkuk, Habakkuk sings a hymn to GOD for His faithfulness in the midst of impending judgment upon the nation of Judah.  Those who remain faithful to GOD, and who have not worshiped the gods of the pagan nations around them will be spared, but will also be exiled like the rest of the nation.  However, in their exile, they will remain joyful and hopeful in the GOD of their salvation.  Though sorrow may last for a while, joy will sustain them through dark times.  Those who remain faithful to GOD in the midst of judgment will learn that the LORD is their strength. 

Let’s take a look at Habakkuk’s final prayer and song:

Turn in your Bible to:  Habakkuk 3:1-19

Here’s the takeaway:

Key Point:  “GOD sustains the faithful in times of trouble and trials.”

How can we see GOD’s support of the faithful during times of trouble in Habakkuk’s final prayer?  We first see a change of heart in Habakkuk:

• Instead of  , Habakkuk  .

Habakkuk 3:2 (NLT),  I have heard all about you, Lord.  I am filled with awe by your amazing works.  In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by.  And in your anger, remember your mercy.

Next, we see a reminder of GOD’s provision throughout Israel’s history, but we also see reminders of GOD’s warnings for unfaithfulness.

• In  , GOD warned His people of the consequences of breaking His  .

Deuteronomy 28:15, 36-37 (NLT),  “But if you refuse to listen to the LORD your God and do not obey all the commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come and overwhelm you:

³⁶  “The LORD will exile you and your king to a nation unknown to you and your ancestors. There in exile you will worship gods of wood and stone! ³⁷  You will become an object of horror, ridicule, and mockery among all the nations to which the LORD sends you.

Finally, we see Habakkuk’s hope in GOD in spite of impending judgment and exile:

• Habakkuk learned that GOD  all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His good  for them.[1]

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT),  ¹⁷ Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, ¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord!  I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!  ¹⁹ The Sovereign Lord is my strength!  He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

Something to take home:

Daniel was faithful when it was inconvenient. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faithful when it was dangerous.  Habakkuk was faithful in the face of imminent judgment.  And GOD was – and still is – faithful to those who follow Him even when the circumstances and situations are confusing and difficult.

We’re living in a time much like Habakkuk.  The wicked seem to prosper and the righteous seem to suffer.  But if we hold on tight to the promise of GOD, that He will never leave us or forsake us, there is nothing we cannot endure if GOD goes with us.  Even as Moses handed the reigns of leadership to Joshua, we have been given the promise handed down to him…

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT),  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Key Point:  “GOD sustains the faithful in times of trouble and trials.”

[1] Romans 8:28.